The Dragons can provide the following update on the club’s 2024 playing roster.
New recruit Corey Allan unfortunately suffered a ruptured ACL during a routine drill at Thursday afternoon's training session. Allan will undergo a knee reconstruction, with an expected return-to-play timeframe of approximately nine months, ruling him out for the entire 2024 season.
Dragons head coach Shane Flanagan expressed his disappointment, stating, "This is terrible news both for Corey and the club. He had settled in well since joining the club in December and was set to push for a club debut in the backline early in the season."
Regrettably, the anticipated signing of Ronald Volkman will not proceed as planned due to the outcome of comprehensive medical testing, revealing the necessity for major shoulder surgery.
Dragons CEO Ryan Webb expressed his disappointment, saying, "It's disappointing for everyone concerned; Ronald's enthusiasm matched our excitement to welcome him to the Dragons."
Pre-arrival medical assessments identified no significant injuries. However, upon presenting to the club, subsequent testing uncovered substantial issues arising from Volkman's prior shoulder reconstruction, mandating another operation. This will result in a significant recovery timeframe, rendering him unavailable for the foreseeable future.
"While football can be unpredictable, we must forge ahead,” Webb said.
“Our sincere wishes for Ronald's swift recovery and success in the upcoming chapters of his career. At the same time, we'll work with Corey to get him back to full health as soon as possible."
Following disciplinary actions from the NRL, Talatau Amone has accepted the proposed deregistration penalty notice issued in December. Consequently, Amone is no longer contracted to the Dragons.
Despite these developments, the Dragons remain focused on building a strong and committed squad. The updated 2024 NRL roster currently features 27 names (excluding Cody Ramsey, not included in the top 30 list for 2024 as he continues his recovery from ulcerative colitis). The roster includes:
- Corey Allan
- Jack Bird
- Toby Couchman
- Ryan Couchman
- Jack de Belin
- Tom Eisenhuth
- Mat Feagai
- Max Feagai
- Viliami Fifita
- Sione Finau
- Kyle Flanagan
- Ben Hunt
- Blake Lawrie
- Jacob Liddle
- Zac Lomax
- Francis Molo
- Michael Molo
- Ben Murdoch-Masila
- Mikaele Ravalawa
- Dan Russell
- Hame Sele
- Tyrell Sloan
- Jaydn Su'A
- Moses Suli
- Savelio Tamale
- Alec Tuitavake
- Paul Turner
